UP chief minister Yogi Adityanath could seek Israeli investment in the state when he meets Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Agra.

During his meeting with the Israeli PM, Yogi is also expected to seek Israeli collaboration and knowhow in agricultural mechanics.

UP chief minister Yogi Adityanath could seek Israeli investment in the state when he meets Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Agra on Tuesday.

Netanyahu, who is on a four-day visit to India, is scheduled to visit the Taj Mahal on Tuesday and Adityanath would be there to welcome him.

Taj closed for public during Netanyahu’s visit

As has been the practice during VIP visits, the Taj would be closed for public viewing during Netanyahu’s visit. Superintending Archaeologist for Agra circle of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) Bhuvan Vikram Singh issued notice of closure of Taj Mahal for general public from 10.20 am till 12.30 pm on Tuesday. The ticket windows are to close one hour before the VIP’s visit.

The meeting assumes importance ahead of the two-day UP investors’ summit in Lucknow from February 21, in which Adityanath could also seek participation of Israeli investors.

The chief minister’s Agra visit is aimed at showcasing the importance BJP is attaching to Netanyahu’s visit. But this is being opposed by a section of Muslims who blame Israel for alleged atrocities in Palestine.

A Muslim delegation in Agra also submitted a memorandum to the local officials against Netanyahu’s visit even as the UP government decided to roll out the red carpet for the visiting dignitary.

During his meeting with the Israeli PM, Yogi is also expected to seek Israeli collaboration and knowhow in agricultural mechanics.

“I don’t think there is anything wrong in meeting the Israeli PM. In fact, the then agriculture minister Shivpal Yadav, who was a dominant figure in the ruling Samajwadi Party, too had made a three-day visit to Israel soon after Akhilesh Yadav government had come to power,” said Athar Husain from the Centre of Objective Research and Development (CORD).

In the run-up to the 2017 UP polls, the BJP had also promised drip irrigation technology from Israel for water-starved Bundelkhand region and the two leaders could also discuss the subject during their meeting. With much at stake, the state government has decided to take no chances with the VIP’s visit. The home department is monitoring preparedness for the visit.

“Foolproof security arrangements are going to be in place for the VIP visit,” said Amit Pathak, the Agra district police chief.